For constipation in pregnant women. What to do with constipation during early and late pregnancy. Brief description of the problem

Constipation is a difficult or systematically incomplete bowel movement (defecation) or the absence of it for one and a half days or more. During pregnancy?

Causes constipation during pregnancy at different women and on different terms different. Among them, the most significant are the following:

• A change in the hormonal background, which reduces the tone of the muscles of the uterus, and at the same time - and all other muscle cells similar to them (in the intestinal walls and in the walls of large vessels).
• Change in the position of the intestine in the abdominal cavity, its gradual displacement by the growing uterus for more later dates.
• Fear of straining. It's rather psychological problem, which is more common in women with increased uterine tone and threatened miscarriage.
• Irrational diet.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Psychological stress.
• Congenital features of the intestine, for example, its elongated sections.

According to the direct mechanism of development, two types can be distinguished constipation during pregnancy.

Atonic constipation(literally translated as "lack of tone") the variant is associated with a reduced tone of the muscular wall of the intestine. Peristalsis (intestinal movements that move its contents) from this becomes lethargic and unproductive. This muscle weakness, in turn, occurs due to hormonal changes, after operations, dietary errors. Another form is spastic constipation during pregnancy , in which the tone of the intestine, on the contrary, is increased, the peristalsis slows down, but due to the “squeezed” state of the intestine. For this type constipation during pregnancy more psychological reasons.

Constipation during pregnancy associated with the lengthening of the large intestine, it is necessary to highlight especially. First, their occurrence is not related to your position, although it can strengthen them. Secondly, although outwardly they appear as a spastic form, they are not associated with spasm, but with a longer passage of stool along a longer path. At the same time, more water is absorbed back into the body from the intestinal contents, the feces become solid.

Atonic constipation during pregnancy may be accompanied by a feeling of intestinal fullness, aching and pulling pains in the abdomen, flatulence (increased gas formation) and bloating, lack of appetite, nausea, lethargy, apathy, depressed mood. There is a lot of stool during defecation; their initial portion is formed, dense, its diameter is larger than normal, the final portion is liquidish, mushy. Defecation is painful, there may be tears of the mucous membrane of the rectum and anus, then streaks of blood and (or) mucus remain on the surface of the feces.

With the spastic form of pain, they differ: they are paroxysmal, even sometimes cramping, occur more often in the left side of the abdomen along the colon and give to the left inguinal region. This form constipation during pregnancy may be accompanied by flatulence, lack of appetite, inadequate and unexplained fatigue, nervousness, irritability, nausea. When emptying the intestines, the feces are very dense, they are separate small rounded fragments in the form of the so-called "sheep feces". The urge to defecate may even occur several times a day, but the emptying of the intestines is incomplete, difficult, in small portions.

How to get rid of constipation during pregnancy

To get rid of constipation it is necessary first of all to choose the right diet, taking into account weight control and possible allergic reactions, which are individual.

At constipation during pregnancy useful millet, buckwheat, pearl barley, oat bran, muesli, black bread, vegetable oils, fresh and cooked vegetables and fruits (carrots, beets, pumpkin, radishes, turnips, zucchini, cucumbers, asparagus young shoots, Jerusalem artichoke, lettuce, broccoli and other varieties of cabbage). Olives, dried fruit compotes, raw, boiled or soaked prunes, honey, watermelon, melon, apples, apricots, grapes, red currants or its juice, cherries have slight laxative properties. It should be noted that honey, fresh carrots and their juice, melon, apricots, red apples, red currants have an increased allergenic potential, so they can be consumed no more than 1-2 times a week. Allergic women should exclude these foods from their diet. from boiled or fresh vegetables you can cook salads with vegetable oil as side dishes. Dairy products must be included in the daily diet of a pregnant woman.

With a tendency to constipation you can not use strong tea, mucous soups, semolina, white bread, wheat bran, polished rice, blueberries, quince, pears, pomegranates, hawthorn, bananas, black currants, legumes, walnuts. Hard cheeses can also slow down peristalsis.

In combination with a diet to solve the problem of constipation will help physical exercise, it is enough to give exercise 20-30 minutes every day, and it is better to do it several times during the day. Consult your doctor about the choice of exercises, because some of them may be contraindicated for you personally, taking into account the characteristics of your health.

With prolonged and active use of almost any laxatives (both medicinal and herbal), addiction may develop, requiring an increase in the dose of the laxative. The effect of the drug is weakened, and the problem itself constipation during pregnancy aggravated.

Of the ready-made laxatives, expectant mothers should not take: REGULAX, CHITOSAN-EVALAR, DOCTOR THEISS - SWEDISH BITTER . IN rare cases under strict medical supervision, GUTTALAX or DULKOLAX (aka BISACODIL) is prescribed ). It is not contraindicated to take laxatives FORLAX and FORTRANS , you can use glycerin suppositories.

Preparations SENNALAKS, GLAXENNA, TRISASEN , made on the basis of senna (aka cassia holly, or alexandrian leaf), increase the tone of the muscular wall of the intestine. It should be used with caution, under medical supervision. Senna preparations should not be drunk for a long time: it is addictive, which requires an increase in the dose. In addition, senna can cause an allergic reaction and the deposition of melanin in the cells of the intestinal mucosa. Senna should not be taken in spastic forms of constipation, in which the bowel tone is already increased.

For to get rid of constipation Phytotherapy offers such recipes.

With spastic constipation in pregnant women:

• Freshly prepared potato juice, diluted with water 1:1, take a quarter cup half an hour before meals 2-3 times a day.
• Prepare a decoction of fig seedlings in milk or water at the rate of 2 tablespoons of raw materials per 1 cup of boiling water, let cool at room temperature, take 1 tablespoon 2-4 times a day.
• Dissolve 15 g of honey in a glass of warm milk, drink a third of a glass at night.
• Mix in equal parts the fruits of anise, stinging nettle herb, valerian rhizome officinalis, rose hips, wild strawberry leaves, chamomile flowers, five-lobed motherwort herb. Brew 1 tablespoon of the collection with a glass of boiling water in a thermos and leave for 1.5 hours, strain. Take half a glass after meals in the morning and evening.

With atonic constipation in pregnant women:

• Mix in equal parts the fruits of anise, cumin and fennel. Brew 2 teaspoons of the mixture with 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 15-20 minutes, strain, drink a third of a cup 3 times a day for half an hour before meals. Please note that for this collection, the seeds must be ripe.
• Take in equal shares fruits of mountain ash, blackberry leaves, nettle grass and fennel fruits. Brew 1 tablespoon of the collection with a glass of boiling water, insist in a thermos for 1.5 hours, strain, take a third of a glass 3 times a day after meals.
• Pour 1 tablespoon of gooseberries with 1 glass of water and boil for 10 minutes, then strain. Take a quarter cup 4 times a day. Sugar can be added if desired.
• When brewing tea, add slices of dried apples or cherries.
• In the atonic form of constipation, the bowels are stimulated by a glass of cool water, drunk in the morning on an empty stomach.
• Cut 3-4 unpeeled fresh apples into medium-sized pieces, boil under the lid for 15 minutes in 1 liter of water, and leave for 4 hours, wrapped. Drink instead of tea 2-3 times a day.
• Pour 1 teaspoon of flaxseed with 1 cup of boiling water and leave for 4 hours. Without straining, drink the entire dose at bedtime.
• Freshly prepared carrot juice drink a quarter cup on an empty stomach in the morning.
• Mix freshly prepared whey and carrot juice in equal parts, take half a glass in the morning on an empty stomach. To prepare whey, you need to boil sour milk or fresh milk with a small piece of black bread, then strain it through cheesecloth; cottage cheese will remain in the gauze, and the liquid part is whey.
• 1 tablespoon wheat bran pour half a glass of hot milk, insist in a warm place or a thermos for 30-40 minutes, strain, squeeze out the steamed bran. Drink half a glass in the morning on an empty stomach.
• Prepare juice from 1 kg of ripe red rowan fruits (collect them before frost), mix the juice with 600 g of granulated sugar. Take a quarter cup on an empty stomach in the morning and at night. Keep the juice in the refrigerator.

From the above recipes, choose for yourself a few of the most suitable juices and decoctions and take them, alternating every 2-3 weeks.

Two-thirds of expectant mothers and every third of women who have given birth complain of constipation during pregnancy. At the same time, most of them prefer to cope with unpleasant symptoms themselves, finding them normal for their condition. However, such a frivolous attitude to the disease can be unsafe for both the mother and her unborn child. It is very important to improve a woman's well-being in a timely manner and properly conducted therapy. Let's find out what provoked constipation during pregnancy, what threats it poses to the mother and child, and how to solve the problem of eliminating it without negative consequences.

Constipation is a disorder of the functions of the intestinal tract, which is expressed by:

1. in long intervals between defecation processes, if we compare these periods before pregnancy;
2. in difficulties arising during emptying (even if the usual frequency of the stool is maintained);
3. in periodically repeated sensations of incomplete bowel emptying.

During such a complication, the volume of feces secreted from the intestines decreases, and its density also changes (it hardens, its structure resembles a stone). Often, with constipation, you have to push, experience pain and discomfort in the abdomen.

What causes constipation in pregnancy

Constipation during pregnancy is associated with prolapse of the uterus, a change in the position (displacement) of the intestine. Among the circumstances that cause constipation during pregnancy, of a psychological nature, is the fear of harming the child with prolonged complicated defecation. In addition, non-compliance correct mode Diet and junk food also lead to this problem. Constipation in pregnant women is divided into two types: alimentary and mechanical.

Conditions for the occurrence of alimentary constipation can be:

• sudden intra-intestinal decrease in the amount of water;
• reducing the amount of food and fluid in the body;
• The foods that prevail on the menu do not include enough fiber.

The reasons for the occurrence of mechanical constipation can be:

1. Mechanical constipation occurs due to a violation or cessation of the passage of feces in the small or large intestine.
2. Often, the structure of feces and its passage are affected by various diseases (renal failure, diabetes, hemorrhoids) and the intake of certain medications.

Causes of constipation at various stages of pregnancy

Constipation in pregnancy is caused by many factors. This is a restructuring of the general hormonal background, an increase in the size of the uterus and a functional shift of the intestine due to fetal pressure. Often the basis for stool retention is a purely psychological reason, when interesting position a woman who fears a strong strain during bowel movements, so as not to harm her child. In addition, anxiety about the possible appearance of hemorrhoids interferes with normal emptying.

Constipation during pregnancy early dates caused by the following reasons:

• consequences of systemic diseases;
• decrease in gastric secretion and reduction of its evacuation capacity;
• increased production of progesterone by the body, which reduces the intensity of intestinal motility.

Constipation during pregnancy in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters occurs for a number of reasons:

1. Transformations occurring at the hormonal level and increased production of progesterone by the body, which contributes to a decrease in the tone of the muscles of the intestinal tract, which causes its hypotension.
2. Lack in the daily menu of hard fiber found in vegetables, fruits and grains. This also includes changes in taste preferences, in which, for example, greens or other necessary food products seem tasteless to a lady in a position, or generally unpleasant in taste.
3. Insufficient water intake due to fear of possible swelling of the legs.
4. Emotional overstrain, which almost all women experience during pregnancy, it helps to reduce the peristalsis of the intestinal tract. Fear of upcoming childbirth and changes at the psycho-emotional level serve as a prerequisite for the occurrence of constipation of neurogenic etiology.
5. Lack of physical activity, especially in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, and with the threat of miscarriage, sometimes a woman has to observe forced bed rest - this leads to intestinal atony.
6. The intake of certain vitamins and microelements, which are sometimes recommended for pregnant women, is quite capable of provoking a decrease in colon peristalsis.
7. A significant increase in the size of the uterus in the later stages and a change in the location of any intestinal loop can dull the sensation of the urge to defecate.
8. Strengthening the manifestations of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, if they were observed before pregnancy.

In the human body, special compounds are formed that activate intestinal motility. And when pregnancy occurs, in the intestinal tract, the ability to produce such a substance is significantly reduced, which becomes one of the causes of constipation. Since the uterus and intestines have a single innervation, as a result of which almost every excessive stimulation of intestinal motility can give impetus to the contractile activity of the uterus, which can provoke the risk of abortion. But, unfortunately, this reflex can create a significant problem - such a violation in the activity of the intestines as constipation during pregnancy. The main thing is that there is no therapy for such constipation, since it is purely physiological in nature.

The main signs of constipation during pregnancy

• inability to properly empty more than 3 days;
• reduction in the number of bowel movements;
• pain in the abdomen;
• irritation in the anus;
• burning sensation in the rectum;
• the feces are steep and almost stony;
• blood impurities in the feces;
• a very small proportion of feces excreted from the body;
• the intestines are not completely emptied;
• feeling of bitterness in the mouth and nausea;
• rumbling in the abdomen and flatulence.

How to treat constipation during pregnancy

Side effects of almost all medicines, their ability to penetrate the placental barrier, discomfort in well-being are the reasons that make it impossible to use most traditional methods of healing. Let's take a look at some of the more harmless options for curing constipation, both with traditional medicine and home remedies.

What can pregnant women from constipation: medications

The effects on the body of almost all means that facilitate bowel movements are to improve intestinal motility. Treatment of constipation during pregnancy with laxatives is used if dietary and lifestyle adjustments have not produced the desired effect. Considering that most pharmaceuticals are characterized by serious side effects, only the doctor is obliged to prescribe them for the expectant mother and only after comparing the benefits of their use and the likely danger to the unborn child.

Constipation in pregnant women can be treated with such medications:

1. Rectal suppositories with glycerin - stimulate the work of the rectum and do not affect the hypertonicity of the uterus.
2. Duphalac, Prelax - contain substances based on lactulose, retain water in the intestinal tract, which helps soften the stool, activates motility and evacuation function of the intestine.
3. Microclysters (Mikrolaks) - the drug is characterized by a quick onset of the result.
4. Vaseline oil - assists in softening the contents of the intestine and its easy excretion.

Folk remedies for constipation during pregnancy

Undoubtedly, before using any of the home remedies in the fight against the disease, you need to consult your doctor, since it is not known how the body of a pregnant woman will respond to any drug.

The most famous methods of dealing with constipation that will not harm the expectant mother:

• Dilute freshly squeezed potato juice with water (1: 1), drink it three times a day, 1/4 cup before meals.
• Squeeze juice from 1 kg of red rowan, add 600 g of sugar to it, stir. Drink twice a day for a quarter cup. Store juice in a cool place.
• Brew 1 teaspoon of flax seed with boiling water (200 ml). Insist for several hours, drink at night, without first filtering the seeds.

Is it worth it to see a doctor

Constipation during pregnancy is not something to be taken lightly. Harmful substances, formed during constipation in the large intestine, can cause severe harm to the child and the well-being of a pregnant woman. The frequent consequences of constipation can, in turn, provoke uterine hypertonicity, which can lead to miscarriage.

Constipation in pregnant women can lead to abnormalities in the intestinal microflora, and contribute to the increased reproduction of bacteria. As a result of prolonged constipation, pathogenic bacteria freely enter the urinary system from the intestines. After some time, they will be able to infect the genitals, and also become the root cause of colpitis.

In addition, constipation during pregnancy in the first trimester exacerbates the risk of purulent-septic complications in the future. For example, the possibility of postnatal endometritis or hemorrhoids during pregnancy increases, the threat of premature birth increases.

Constipation during pregnancy is very common, and therefore many women consider it an obligatory part of their position.

According to statistics, this phenomenon is present in half of pregnant women. However, this does not mean at all that it should be considered a variant of the norm.

Because many are interested in what to do with constipation during pregnancy at home.

Causes

Infrequent bowel movements or difficult stools are very common. However, the body of pregnant women is much more susceptible to stagnant processes in the intestines.

Even with regular bowel movements, a woman may feel that the intestines are not completely emptied. Dry stools are also often observed. Doctors classify these conditions as functional constipation.

The main cause of the pathology is considered a rapid increase in the level of progesterone. This hormone is important for maintaining pregnancy. It is he who leads to weakness of intestinal motility. It relaxes smooth muscles, which activates the movement of the intestinal walls.

In addition, constipation may be associated with a change in the lifestyle and physiology of a pregnant woman:

Symptoms

Before you deal with constipation during pregnancy, you need to analyze clinical picture pathology.

Stool disorders are characterized by the following symptoms:

• There is a rare and hard stool less than 3 times a week;
• stool weight is less than 35 g;
• after going to the toilet there is a feeling of incomplete emptying of the intestine;
• there is pain in the left side of the abdomen.

Constipation during pregnancy can be very dangerous. The intestines are located in close proximity to the reproductive organs. That is why you need to keep it functioning properly.

So, the appearance of constipation during the period of bearing a child can lead to such complications:

Medical methods of treatment

How to get rid of constipation during pregnancy? This question worries many women. To answer it, you should consult a doctor.

It is important to consider that many means during the period of bearing a child are categorically contraindicated. These include the following:

As for classic laxatives, almost all of them are contraindicated for pregnant women. The following categories of drugs should not be used:

• irritants - Gutalax, Regulax, Senade;
• filler laxatives, such as methylcellulose cause activation of intestinal motility;
• salt-based osmotic preparations- lead to a violation of the water-mineral balance.

So, how to go to the toilet during pregnancy? To do this, you need to contact a specialist who will select complex therapy. Mandatory components of treatment are exercise and a special diet.

Of the medicines, the following are usually used:

Many women are interested in whether it is possible to push during pregnancy.. Proctologists do not recommend doing this to anyone.

Moreover, it is forbidden during pregnancy. Strong attempts can lead to bleeding and prolapse of hemorrhoids. The longer the gestation period, the more dangerous this process.

In addition to the appearance of hemorrhoids, there is a risk of miscarriage and premature birth. The fact is that attempts increase uterine contractions. They are especially dangerous in the early stages and before childbirth.

Nutrition Features

When answering the question of what helps with constipation, you should definitely recommend a special diet. There are quite a few products that are harmless to the child and help to quickly and gently normalize the bowel movement.

Vegetable oils are considered a good remedy for constipation.. They have a relaxing effect on the muscles of the colon, which contributes to the painless removal of softened feces.

However, it is important to consider that not all oils can be taken by pregnant women. During this period, castor oil is contraindicated, since it increases the activity of the muscle muscles too much.

To cope with the problem, you can use sunflower, olive, pumpkin seeds and flax oil.. These products for constipation during pregnancy can be used for dressing salads or taken in the morning in a teaspoon. This must be done on an empty stomach.

Fiber helps to improve the digestion process and perfectly relieves constipation. This substance is present in many vegetables and fruits. It also contains bran.

To establish the process of bowel movement, you can make various salads:

In addition to salads, you need to eat black bread, cereals, bran. All of these foods also contain a lot of fiber.

Be careful with kefir. Only a fresh drink has laxative properties - up to 5 days of storage.

Dried fruits

Prunes are an excellent remedy for constipation.. This product contains a large amount of fiber and pectin, therefore it has a pronounced laxative effect. You need to eat up to 10 pieces of prunes per day.

Very useful compote with dried fruits. It can be made from prunes or other ingredients can be added - apples, dried apricots, raisins are perfect.

For 1 liter of water, you need to take 100 g of dried fruits and a few tablespoons of sugar. Prunes, sugar are added to boiling water and brought to a boil. Ready drink should be consumed 1 glass on an empty stomach.

You can also grind prunes, dried apricots and raisins until smooth. The resulting mixture should be consumed in the morning on an empty stomach in the amount of 1 tablespoon.

Kiwi also has an excellent laxative effect.. To establish the process of defecation, it is enough to eat 1-2 pieces a day.

With chronic constipation, you need to abandon certain foods. These include the following:

• whole milk;
• polished rice;
• pure meat;
• sweet pastries;
• pears;
• bananas;
• persimmon;
• potato;
• chocolate;
• eggs;
• coffee.

Folk remedies for constipation during pregnancy should be chosen depending on the nature of the problem. If it has a spastic character, the following recipes will help:

If constipation is atonic in nature, the following remedies will help to cope with it:

1. Mix equal parts anise, cumin and fennel. Take a couple of teaspoons and add 250 ml of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 20 minutes. The filtered solution is taken in a third of a glass half an hour before meals.
2. Add cherries or dried apples to brewed tea.
3. Take 1 small spoon of flax seeds, add a glass of boiling water. After 4 hours, the mixture can be drunk.
4. Mix equal parts carrot juice and whey. The resulting remedy is taken on an empty stomach for half a glass. To prepare the whey, you need to bring the milk to a boil, put a small piece of black bread and strain through cheesecloth.

Prevention

To prevent constipation, you need to follow certain recommendations. First of all, you need to pay attention to your diet..

The menu should contain foods high in fiber. Soups should be eaten every day. In this case, products that cause constipation must be completely eliminated.

Drinking plays an important role. Many women limit fluid intake for fear of swelling. In fact, you need to drink enough water. At the same time, salty foods should be excluded from the diet, because it is salt that retains fluid in the body.

To prevent constipation, you need to move as much as possible. Lack of physical activity slows down the digestion process. Of course, complex exercises are prohibited during pregnancy, but walking on fresh air will only benefit.

The appearance of constipation during pregnancy is a very common problem, which medications and effective folk recipes will help to cope with.

Before using any remedy, you should consult a doctor, since many products are contraindicated for pregnant women.

The fact that the period of pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman's life is unlikely to be disputed: after all, the expectant mother lives in anticipation of a miracle. But the fact that this period of life can be associated with many problems in the health of a lady is also no secret to anyone - the body has to withstand too much stress. One of the problems during pregnancy is a violation of the intestines, namely -.

In general, even without pregnancy female body predisposed to constipation due to its anatomical structure. First, the colon is longer in women than in men. Secondly, there is a direct relationship between menstruation and bowel movements: even in absolutely healthy women, constipation often occurs before menstruation. Thirdly, women are much more sensitive internal organs to external and/or internal stimuli. That is why the frequency of constipation in women is almost three times higher than in men.

Pregnancy and constipation

Constipation specifically during the period of bearing a child takes place in 17-50% and, as a rule, such a malfunction in the intestines begins at 17-36 weeks. Most often, doctors note the development of functional constipation, which means that they arose exclusively during pregnancy and immediately after childbirth, bowel function will fully recover. If we talk about functional constipation, then future mothers should know that in this case there will be no blood, mucus, and general state health will be excellent.

Causes, risk factors and consequences of constipation during pregnancy

Doctors are well aware that risk factors for constipation during pregnancy are:

• excess weight / ;
• the woman's age is over 35;
• often in a bad mood.

But the main cause of constipation in pregnant women is still an increase in the hormone and its derivatives. In principle, this is a normal process - a large amount of progesterone in a woman's body during childbearing is necessary to lower the tone of the muscles of the uterus and maintain pregnancy. But at the same time with such a positive effect, the hormone progesterone also affects the intestinal muscles - the tone decreases significantly, the contractile activity of the intestine decreases, which leads to constipation.

Other causes of bowel problems during pregnancy include:

Many women treat the appearance of functional constipation during pregnancy lightly - "I give birth and everything will pass." In fact, such a violation of the intestines can lead to very unpleasant consequences:

• development or its exacerbation in the case of an already existing disease;
• the level of intestinal permeability to allergens and infectious agents is significantly increased;
• the microbial flora of the intestines and genital tract can be activated, and this significantly increases the risk of complications in the further course of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period;
• there is a threat of miscarriage - with constipation, a woman is forced to push often and hard, and this automatically increases the tone of the uterus.

It is extremely rare for a pregnant woman with chronic constipation to give birth naturally, as doctors prefer to give birth to such patients C-section. Often, such future mothers begin preterm labor, and the period of time between childbirth and the first bowel movement will be longer than other women in labor.

Non-pharmacological treatment of constipation in pregnant women

Of course, accept any medicines during pregnancy, only on prescription. But with chronic constipation, gynecologists are in no hurry to make medication appointments, because it is much easier and safer to correct the diet and daily routine. Such corrective measures for constipation in pregnant women include:

• an increase in physical activity - only a specialist can give such a recommendation, since you need to be sure that the pregnancy proceeds without deviations and the woman is only concerned about constipation;
• correction of the drinking regimen: a woman should drink at least 8 glasses of liquid per day, but again, you should be extremely careful - they should be completely absent;
• limiting the use of sweets, muffins, white bread, vermicelli, blueberries, black tea and bird cherry;
• an increase in the menu of foods that are rich in fiber - dried fruits, leafy greens, legumes, bran, berries;
• eat often, but in small portions (fractional nutrition).

If the above measures turned out to be effective and the intestines of the pregnant woman began to empty regularly and fully, then they remain the main ones until childbirth. Otherwise, doctors may resort to medical treatment.

Drug therapy

In pharmacies of any locality you can find a lot, but specifically for pregnant women, you need to choose an absolutely safe drug - it should not harm either the fetus or the expectant mother, but the benefits from it should be much greater possible harm. The therapeutic effect of the selected laxative action should be manifested even in minimal dosages, the duration of treatment should also be short.

Note:pregnant women should avoid the use of any, including laxatives, medicines at a gestational age of 3-11 weeks, since it is during this period that their maximum effect on the unborn baby is noted.

Features of different laxatives

There are several groups of drugs that have a laxative effect.

Osmotic laxatives

These include lactulose, magnesia, polyethylene glycol and phosphate salts. The main advantages of drugs of this group of laxatives can be considered that they:

• almost not absorbed from the intestine and do not penetrate into the blood of the fetus;
• do not lead to addiction;
• prevent salt loss.

However, there are some disadvantages of osmotic laxatives:

• it is quite difficult to choose an effective dose - it can take a long time, which a pregnant woman does not have;
• can provoke short-term and the appearance of non-intense pain in the intestines;
• with prolonged use, they can lead to violations of the water-salt balance in the body;
• can cause diarrhea in the newborn.

In addition, polyethylene glycol is extremely rare, but can provoke an inadequate reaction of the body - respiratory failure and coma. Therefore, the considered group of laxatives should be prescribed only by a doctor, a woman should take them under the supervision of medical personnel.

Bulk laxatives

These agents include psyllium, dietary supplements with bran in the composition and methylcellulose. The advantages of such drugs include the lack of absorption into the mother's blood and the ability to increase the number of healthy bacteria in the intestinal microflora. But it is worth considering some disadvantages of bulk laxatives:

• the therapeutic effect develops extremely slowly;
• dose selection is needed on an individual basis;
• can cause bloating and mild intestinal pain;
• require admission a large number fluids - this can provoke development in a pregnant woman;
• significantly reduce appetite;
• can cause powerful.

In principle, the type of drugs with a laxative effect in question can be allowed for pregnant women, but this should be done by a specialist.

Softening feces

These include petroleum jelly, mineral oils, glycerin, microlax and others. Means that soften the feces, greatly facilitate the actual act of emptying the intestines. They are distinguished by fast action, they are considered very relevant for proctological problems (for example, an exacerbation of chronic hemorrhoids began in a pregnant woman), which are accompanied by pain in the anus. But for all positive qualities laxatives that soften feces are not at all harmless for pregnant women! They:

• are able to accumulate in the spleen, intestinal walls and liver - this can provoke the development of an inflammatory process;
• can disrupt the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins in the mother - this is a risk factor for the development of bleeding in both the mother and the baby;
• help to increase the tone of the uterus;
• can damage the rectal mucosa;
• provoke.

Most often, mineral oils have such a negative effect, so they are generally strictly prohibited for use during pregnancy. All other drugs that soften the feces can be used, but only for a short time and episodically.

Stimulant laxatives

These are castor oil, and glycerin suppositories, and joster fruits, and senna, and many others - this group of laxatives is the largest. All stimulant laxatives prevent hardening of the stool and ensure fast and efficient bowel movements. But at the same time, they also have a negative effect on the body of a pregnant woman:

• can be absorbed through the walls of the intestine and penetrate into the blood of the unborn child;
• can provoke the development of defects in the baby;
• significantly increases the risk of abortion, as they stimulate the muscles of the uterus;
• can provoke the appearance;
• when used in the wrong dosage lead to chronic diarrhea;
• may be addictive;
• provoke development.

In this regard, future mothers are strictly forbidden to use castor oil, from the group of stimulant laxatives it is allowed to take drugs with hay, bisacodyl, suppositories and docusate sodium.

Note:laxatives during pregnancy are used only if there is no positive effect after changing the diet and daily routine. Wherein drug therapy is appointed by a short course (no more than 10 days) and strictly with the individual selection of a particular remedy.

Constipation during pregnancy is not only an unpleasant phenomenon, but also quite dangerous for the health of the expectant mother, and for the health of the baby, and for the course of pregnancy. Therefore, if such a problem occurs, it would be advisable to seek help from a specialist.

Tsygankova Yana Alexandrovna, medical observer, therapist of the highest qualification category

Such a delicate problem as constipation often worries pregnant women. We will answer the question of why this happens, explain why constipation is dangerous during early pregnancy and how to deal with this condition without causing harm. expectant mother and her child.

When to sound the alarm?

Constipation is considered a condition when there is an incomplete bowel movement or lack thereof for more than two days. It is important to pay attention to this problem. Especially women in a delicate position. Constipation is a dangerous condition for both the expectant mother and her fetus. Even if a woman does not feel severe unpleasant symptoms, with a regular delay in the process of defecation, you should urgently seek help from a doctor.

Causes

Constipation occurs in 70% of women in position, more often in the second half of pregnancy. This fact is explained by the growing load on the intestines due to an increase in the uterus. The longer the period, the more weight the baby, which means that the pressure on the vessels also increases, the lymph and blood flow slows down, and edema forms. All this leads to stagnation in the intestines.

The change in the hormonal background of a pregnant woman also affects the weakening of peristalsis. This affects the work of almost all internal organs, as there is a redistribution of the increasing load. It is for this reason that constipation occurs in early pregnancy. What to do in this case? Unfortunately, this condition is extremely difficult to correct. The fact is that during this period, most of the known drugs can adversely affect the development of the fetus.

Another factor contributing to the occurrence of constipation in expectant mothers is the stress of the body. Not always this condition is caused by nervous strain. Even a pregnancy that takes place in a calm psycho-emotional environment can be complicated by a delay in defecation. Since the very fact of the development of an embryo in the body is a serious physiological stress associated with the restructuring of the work of many organs and systems. In addition, with the onset of conception, autoimmune changes or allergic reactions may occur, which also leads to a complication of the act of defecation.

What is the danger?

The lack of defecation in the expectant mother, especially if constipation during early pregnancy, is an extremely dangerous condition for both the woman and the child. Even if severe symptoms in the form of pain, fever, or other signs are not a cause for concern, the lack of a natural bowel movement can lead to uterine tone and, as a result, miscarriage.

Why is constipation dangerous during pregnancy? If defecation does not occur within 5 days, then the feces harden, thereby the possibility of independent bowel movements is significantly reduced, and the likelihood of intestinal fissures (and with them bleeding) increases. In addition, during stagnation, rotting of the masses begins to occur. Meanwhile, during chemical reaction toxic substances are released. Through the walls of the intestine, they enter the bloodstream, causing serious poisoning of the body. Hazardous substances can also penetrate the placental barrier, getting to the fetus and causing serious disturbances in its development.

Can laxatives be used by pregnant women?

How to deal with constipation during pregnancy and is it possible to take laxatives? Most medicines are strictly contraindicated for pregnant women, as they can cause uterine contractions and lead to miscarriage. Some drugs disrupt the water-salt balance, causing digestive disorders, abdominal pain, diarrhea, which is also very dangerous for the expectant mother and her child.

But at the same time, not treating constipation is also extremely dangerous. What to do? First of all, preventive measures should be observed (which are described in detail below). But if the problem has already arisen, then in no case should you self-prescribe medications or practice the treatment of constipation. folk remedies. After all, even such, at first glance, safe preparations based on herbs, such as hay leaves, magnesia, Karlovy Vary salt, castor oil and others, can cause irreparable harm to a pregnant woman.

Safe laxatives

At the first symptoms of constipation, you should immediately report the problem to your doctor. Only a specialist, having assessed the severity of the condition, can prescribe drugs for constipation to the expectant mother. So, the safest are the means that are not absorbed into the bloodstream. They are aimed at loosening (due to the absorption of a large amount of fluid from the tissues) and the natural excretion of feces. These are the so-called probiotics, which have a laxative effect. For example, "Duphalac", "Forlaks", "Tranzipek" and others. In addition to their direct purpose, they contribute to the restoration of intestinal microflora, which prevents the problem of constipation in the future. But even such drugs have contraindications and adverse reactions, so they should be used only in extreme cases and with high caution. In addition, you should not expect an immediate effect from the above drugs: the result can be noted only after a few days.

Microclysters and suppositories

During pregnancy, doctors may prescribe constipation medications such as suppositories or microenemas. They act locally, so when used once, they are quite safe. It is recommended first of all to resort to the help of candles, as they do not contain various additives and have proven themselves effective tool from constipation during pregnancy. If there is no effect, you can use drugs such as Normacol, Microlax, Norgalax. But often you can not use such drugs: they can provoke uterine contractions.

Diet

Proper nutrition for constipation during pregnancy is the safest and most effective method dealing with the problem. The following foods should be added to the diet:

• containing fiber of plant origin: carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, buckwheat, oatmeal, pearl barley, wholemeal bread;
• containing organic acids: dried fruits, in particular dried apricots, raisins, prunes, dates;
• dairy products.

Food for constipation excludes foods such as:

• fat meat;
• buns and sweets;
• smoked meats;
• potato;
• pasta;
• White bread;
• tea, coffee, soft drinks.

Folk remedies

In folk medicine, herbs with a laxative effect are widely used. But during pregnancy, most of them can not be used. Therefore, the treatment of constipation with folk remedies during the period of bearing a child is limited to only some recommendations and recipes based on products that activate peristalsis:

• drink 100 ml of cool water before meals;
• mix 50 ml of aloe juice with a spoonful of honey, insist overnight and take a teaspoon 3 times a day;
• drink prunes compote.

Prevention

You can prevent constipation during early pregnancy with the help of preventive measures. What is needed for this?

• Carefully monitor nutrition: you need to eat fresh and boiled vegetables, fruits, and exclude fatty and sweet foods.
• Drink enough purified water.
• Lead an active lifestyle: do not forget about outdoor walks, go to the pool or gymnastics for pregnant women.

As we found out, constipation during early pregnancy is a very dangerous condition. Therefore, you should not self-prescribe medications or resort to prescriptions. traditional medicine. It is much more effective to seek qualified help in time and listen to the doctor's recommendations.